Five-spice powder

Five-spice powder is a cherished seasoning blend integral to Chinese and Vietnamese cuisines. This fragrant mix typically includes star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seeds. However, many variations might also incorporate ingredients such as anise seed, ginger root, nutmeg, turmeric, licorice, Mandarin orange peel, or different types of cardamom pods. In Southern China, for example, the blend often includes Cinnamomum loureiroi and Mandarin orange peel, adding a distinctive flavor.

Five-spice powder is commonly paired with rich, fatty meats like pork, duck, or goose. It serves as an excellent spice rub for various meats and seafood, plays a crucial role in red cooking recipes, and can even be integrated into the breading for fried foods. Classic dishes such as Cantonese roasted duck, beef stew, and Vietnamese broiled chicken owe their unique flavors to this spice blend.

Thanks to the Chinese diaspora, five-spice powder has spread into numerous other Asian cuisines and beyond. In Hawaii, for instance, it is common for restaurants to have a shaker of five-spice powder on every table. You can also easily create a seasoned salt by dry-roasting regular salt with five-spice powder and mixing until well combined.

This versatile spice blend adds a distinctive, aromatic touch to a wide array of dishes, making it a staple in many kitchens around the world.